From the glass in your windows to the detergents that clean your clothes, sodium carbonate – better known as soda ash – is a fundamental industrial chemical that quietly powers modern manufacturing. If you are searching for a high-purity sodium carbonate supplier you can truly rely on, this guide walks you through its essential physicochemical properties, key applications, and why Snowhite Chemical Co., Ltd. should be your preferred partner.
What Is Sodium Carbonate?
Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), commonly referred to as soda ash or, in its hydrated form, washing soda, is a white, water-soluble alkaline salt. As one of the most important industrial alkalis, global production exceeds 60 million metric tons annually. It occurs naturally in trona deposits and is also manufactured synthetically via the Solvay process. At Snowhite Chemical, we supply both light soda ash and dense soda ash, each tailored to specific industrial requirements.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Sodium Carbonate
A clear understanding of its physicochemical profile ensures safe handling and optimum process performance.
|
Property |
Value / Description |
|
Chemical formula |
Na₂CO₃ |
|
Molar mass |
105.99 g/mol |
|
CAS number |
497-19-8 |
|
Appearance |
White, odorless powder or granular solid. Light soda ash: bulk density ~0.5–0.7 g/mL; dense soda ash: ~1.0–1.2 g/mL |
|
Density (anhydrous) |
2.54 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
|
Melting point |
851 °C (1564 °F) |
|
Decomposition temperature |
Decomposes around 1600 °C |
|
Solubility in water |
Highly soluble; 21.5 g/100 mL at 20 °C, reaching a maximum of 49.7 g/100 mL at 35.4 °C, then slightly decreasing at higher temperatures |
|
pH (1% solution) |
Approximately 11.5 – strongly alkaline |
|
Hygroscopicity |
Anhydrous soda ash absorbs moisture from the air, forming hard lumps; must be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place |
|
Hydrates |
Forms several hydrates. The decahydrate (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O, washing soda) effloresces in dry air to yield the monohydrate |
This combination of high solubility and strong alkalinity makes sodium carbonate a versatile workhorse in neutralization, precipitation, and pH buffering operations.
Major Industrial Applications
1.Glass Manufacturing – the dominant market
Soda ash acts as a flux that lowers the melting point of silica. More than half of global production goes into flat glass, container glass, and fiberglass. Dense soda ash is generally preferred here because of its superior handling and melting characteristics.
2.Detergents & Cleaning Products
As a builder, sodium carbonate softens water by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions, dramatically boosting surfactant efficiency. It is a core ingredient in laundry powders, automatic dishwashing detergents, and industrial degreasers. Light soda ash is often the choice for its rapid dissolution.
3.Chemical Processing & pH Control
An economical alkali, it neutralizes acidic effluents, regulates pH in water treatment plants, and serves as a feedstock for producing sodium bicarbonate, sodium silicate, and sodium phosphates.
4.Metallurgy
Used as a flux to remove impurities from ores, especially in aluminium and antimony processing.
5.Textile & Dyeing
Functions as a fixing agent for reactive dyes and plays a role in cotton mercerization.
6.Food Industry (E500)
High-purity grades are permitted as an acidity regulator in specific applications, such as instant noodles production.
Why Choose Snowhite Chemical Co., Ltd. as Your Sodium Carbonate Supplier?
Snowhite Chemical Co., Ltd. is a dedicated industrial chemical supplier with years of experience in the global marketplace. Our service model is built around consistency, quality, and genuine partnership.
• Guaranteed High Purity: Our soda ash meets stringent specifications (GB/T 210 and equivalent international standards) with purity ≥ 99.2%. Every shipment includes a certificate of analysis.
• Tailored Product Forms: We supply light soda ash, dense soda ash, and can accommodate custom particle size requests and packaging formats – 25 kg bags, 1,000 kg supersacks, or bulk.
• Dependable Logistics: A robust supply chain ensures on-time delivery to major ports worldwide, keeping your production lines running smoothly.
• Technical Expertise: Our team helps you select the optimal grade and provides handling recommendations specific to your process.
• Competitive Pricing & Flexible Volumes: Whether you are testing with a single container or need regular bulk shipments, we deliver cost-effective solutions without ever compromising on quality.
Partnering with Snowhite Chemical means securing a supply line that prioritizes your business continuity and product performance.
Quick FAQs
Is sodium carbonate the same as baking soda?
No. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). Sodium carbonate is more alkaline and must not be used in baking unless specifically called for.
How should I store soda ash?
Keep it in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from acids and moisture. Unopened, correctly stored bags typically have a shelf life of at least 12 months.
What safety precautions are required?
Use gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask when handling industrial grades to avoid skin and eye irritation.
Contact Us
Contact SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO.,LTD now to get COA, free samples and the latest quotation.
Email: shirley@snowhitechem.com
Phone: +86-25-56215758
WhatsApp：+86-13776524331
